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Justin Worley to start as Volunteer’s quarterback

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Justin Worley (14) looks for a receiver during an NCAA college football game against the Georgia State Panthers on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 51-13. Photo: Associated Press/Wade Payne

Jones called it a “very, very tight race,” but said Worley’s experience and ability to take care of the ball put him ahead.

Worley has been competing with redshirt freshman Nathan Peterman and freshmen Joshua Dobbs and Riley Ferguson for the right to take over for the departed Tyler Bray, who threw for 3,612 yards and 34 touchdowns last season.

Worley, the only Tennessee quarterback with any college playing experience, started three games in place of an injured Bray in 2011 and played five games in a reserve role last season. Worley is 63 of 110 for 738 yards with five interceptions and one touchdown pass in his career.